Best practice of structural retrofit: The SS. Rosario Church in Gesualdo, Italy

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to show the importance of a total understanding of the manufacture, before approaching any structural intervention. Design/methodology/approach: The adopted methodology consists of a non-invasive kind of structural retrofit, in accordance with the history of the manufacture and, at the same time, giving effective respect to seismic solicitations. Findings: The results are very important for demonstration purposes, and they may be taken as examples in many similar problems. Research limitations/implications: The limitation of this research principally consists in the old datation of the study case, because it could be approached more easily with the help of modern concepts. Practical implications: Many applications can be carried out from the study case: first, the respectful approach to the cultural heritage, in the sense of knowledge and understanding of the "art rule" belonging to the ancient constructors. Social implications: The paper has implications for the safety and conservation of historical heritage. Originality/value: The originality consists in showing the almost unknown work of a master: he reasoned anticipating the technological progress.